ITAA Announces Finalists for 2026 Irish Travel Industry Awards

The Irish Travel Agents Association (ITAA), in collaboration with MSC Cruises, has unveiled the shortlist for the highly anticipated Irish Travel Industry Awards 2026. Winners will be announced on January 22, 2026, during a ceremony held at the historic Round Room of the Mansion House in Dublin. This prestigious event is expected to attract over 400 travel professionals, with journalist and travel expert Eoghan Corry serving as the master of ceremonies.

Now in their fourteenth year, the Irish Travel Industry Awards recognize excellence among suppliers and agents within the travel sector in Ireland. The awards initiative, supported by Travel Centres and Worldchoice, aims to highlight the remarkable achievements within the industry. An independent panel, comprising Maria Gildea, Noeleen Lynch, Richard Cullen, and Tom Shanahan, has undertaken the challenging task of judging the Member Award Winners. Additionally, Richard Bowden has been appointed as the scrutineer for the voting process concerning the Supplier Awards.

Tom Randles, President of the ITAA, expressed his enthusiasm for the upcoming awards. He stated, “The Irish Travel Industry Awards celebrate excellence among travel professionals and providers in Ireland, while offering suppliers and ITAA members the opportunity to enhance their profile and reputation within the industry. I would like to congratulate each of our very deserving finalists. Being shortlisted for an award is, in itself, a significant achievement, and I wish them every success on awards night.” Randles also acknowledged the continued support of MSC Cruises as the title sponsor, noting that this year’s event promises to be “the biggest and best Travel Industry Awards night yet.”

Categories and Finalists

The awards encompass various categories, with finalists selected across multiple segments of the travel industry. The ITAA Member Awards recognize excellence in travel agencies, with finalists in the Travel Agency Category, sponsored by Shannon Airport. For agencies with over ten employees, the finalists are Best4Travel, Cassidy Travel, and Click & Go Holidays. In the category for agencies with fewer than ten employees, the finalists include Atlantic Travel, Magic Vacations, Navan Travel, and The Travel Suite.

In addition to the travel agency categories, the awards also highlight innovation within the industry. Finalists in the Innovation Category, sponsored by Emirates, include nominees for Best Offline Marketing Initiative and Best Online Marketing Initiative. Other awards, such as the Responsible Travel Award, will also be presented during the event.

The Supplier Awards feature several categories, including excellence in air travel, tour operators, and cruise lines. Notable nominees for Airline of the Year in the Ireland to Europe category include Aer Lingus, KLM, and Ryanair. For North America, finalists include Aer Lingus, Air Canada, and Delta Airlines. The cruise sector will showcase nominees in various categories, highlighting mainstream and luxury options.

Broad Industry Support

The Irish Travel Industry Awards are organized by Business Exhibition and enjoy sponsorship from a range of prominent organizations, including Abercrombie & Kent, Cox & Kings, Hertz, Emirates, Irish Ferries, and many others. This wide-ranging support underscores the significance of the awards in promoting collaboration and excellence across the travel industry.

As the event approaches, anticipation builds among industry professionals eager to celebrate achievements and foster connections within the travel community. The Irish Travel Industry Awards not only recognize outstanding service but also serve as a platform for industry stakeholders to engage and innovate in an ever-evolving market.